Tale of Zatoichi, The

Japan 1962, 96 minutes, B / W
Dir. Kenji Misumi
In Japanese with English subtitles
Rating: [M]
Genres: Foreign Cinema, Cult, Action/Adventure, Classics / Martial Arts

Feat. Shintaro Katsu

Aroview: The inaugural movie in the iconic 'Zatoichi' series - which followed the intriguing adventures in mythical Japan of a blind masseur, who has honed his skills to become a deadly swordsman.

In a career-defining persona Katsu plays the loner with endearing distinction, in this story wandering into a Yakuza war over territory in which he opposes an intimidating samurai. Action sequences are depicted in intense, minimalist set-pieces - more realistic than the protracted battles of modern martial arts films. Spawned 26 film sequels and several television series.